R4D-8 Skytrain

The R4D‑8 Skytrain was the United States Navy’s designation for the Douglas C‑47B, a military transport derived from the civilian DC‑3. First delivered in 1944, the aircraft served together with its Army counterpart throughout the final months of World War II, the Korean conflict and the early Cold War. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830‑94 Twin Wasp radial engines delivering 1,200 hp each, the R4D‑8 could lift 6,000 lb of cargo or up to 28 troops, and featured a reinforced floor, larger cargo doors, and a freight‑handling winch that enabled rapid loading of bulky equipment. Its long, low‑drag wing and sturdy undercarriage allowed operation from rough, unpaved airstrips, making it a workhorse for logistical supply, medical evacuation, and paratroop drops. The aircraft’s reliability and simplicity earned it a reputation for “the workhorse that never quit,” and it played a pivotal role in establishing the concept of rapid strategic airlift. After military service, many R4D‑8s were transferred to civilian operators, extending the legacy of the Douglas design and influencing post‑war transport aviation worldwide. Its rugged design inspired cargo aircraft such as the Lockheed C‑130, and several restored examples still fly in museums and heritage squadrons, preserving the Skytrain’s iconic silhouette for new generations.